Cryoglobulin

Code:
CRYO

Sample Type:

2 x Plain Serum (White or Red Top)
2 x EDTA Plasma (Purple Top)

Pre-warmed in a cryoglobulin flask.

Cryoglobulin sample collection instructions can be found here.

Ref Ranges/Units:

Reported as positive or negative. 

Positive samples are sent away to referral laboratory for confirmation and typing.  

Turnaround:

1-2 weeks.

Special Precautions/Comments:

Always contact the laboratory before taking a sample so that a cryoglobulin flask can be prepared ready for sample collection. 

Samples must be kept warm. 

Please return the cryoglobulin flask and samples to the lab within 30 minutes of collection.  

Additional Information:

Cryoglobulins are endogenous immunoglobulins that precipitate below body temperature (37°C). Symptoms of cryoglobulinemia include purpura, weakness, arthralgia, small vessel vasculitis, nephropathy and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Precipitated cryoglobulins can block small blood vessels causing tissue damage. 

There are 3 different types of cryoglobulinaemia: 

  • Type I – monoclonal immunoglobulin (e.g. myeloma, lymphoma) 
  • Type II – mixture of polyclonal and monoclonal immunoglobins (e.g. viral infections such as Hepatitis C) 
  • Type III – polyclonal immunoglobulin (e.g. autoimmune disease such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) 

Plasma and serum samples are required to exclude the presence of cryofibrinogen which can result in a false positive.

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